English Department

Writing Center

General Information

The Writing Center is an open computer lab where students can get help with writing assignments for any class at WVC. Peer tutors and English faculty members are available to help you succeed. Open lab hours and one-on-one tutoring are available.

Visit the Writing Center, located in the Library, and please don't forget to bring your student ID# and a completed LRSV 110E form.

May

Wednesday, May 2 at 3:00 PM – MLA Format with Instructor Vo

Testimonials

"I wanted to THANK YOU for giving me a wonderful opportunity to successfully PASS my English 1A course last semester. As soon as I checked my grades for English 1A, I felt astonished that I got a good grade for English 1A although it was my weakness. I asked myself, “Is that my real grade?” That feeling meant a lot to me! Every tutor that I came across in the writing center created a warm and caring environment for a student’s success. They proved that I can achieve my goals. Of course, I shouldn’t forget the fact that I played a major role in passing 1A by putting my heart into the essays that my teacher assigned. Thank You!"

– WVC English 1A Student

"Great Help! I got great help from tutors in the Writing Center. In the beginning, I got Cs in English 905, but I got B+ in the last prompt. I feel more confident and have more interest in Writing."

– WVC English 905 Student

"Good Support. The tutors in the Writing Center make sure that you can pass your writing classes successfully by giving you the support you need by providing you useful information on how you can improve your writing skills. They also make sure that you will understand what they are saying by allowing you to ask questions if you feel confused. If you don’t understand what they are saying, they will explain it in an easier way. The writing center can make a huge difference in your writing capabilities and your grades."

– WVC English 1B Student

"Excellent Peer Review. It is helpful and your writings and papers will definitely enhance. I think that it is really good how you get other people to read your papers. There is a positive effect on my essay grades when a tutor looks at my paper and I receive feedback. They give good feedback and they know what they are talking about. They help me see what I did wrong in my essay and then help me fix what I did wrong."

– WVC English 905 Student

"You can only get good out of it. It's a quiet place to study and focus on what you have to do."

– WVC Psychology Student

Frequently Asked Questions

My instructor wrote comments on my essay, but I'm still not sure how to make my essay better. Can a tutor help me?

Yes, a tutor can help you understand your instructor's comments. We will work with you to develop an appropriate plan for revision.

I don't know if my paragraph is good. Can a tutor tell me if I have a good paragraph?

A tutor will help you identify the key elements of an effective paragraph. We will also discuss different types of paragraphs and their relationships to each other within an essay.

I need help writing my thesis. Can a tutor help me write a thesis?

A tutor will help you identify the key elements of an effective thesis statement. We will also help you understand the relationship of a thesis to the rest of an essay.

Can a tutor edit my essay or fix my grammar?

No, a tutor won't edit your essay – that is, fix your grammatical errors sentence by sentence, but we can help you understand grammar rules with which you may be struggling. Also, we can help you identify patterns of error you should work on. Prior to editing, you may wish to consult us about your essay's argumentation and content.

Can a tutor grade my essay or tell me how to get a better grade?

No, a tutor won't grade your essay. A tutor's responsibility is to help you learn how to create a successful writing process revise and edit so that you can become a more confident and effective writer. We won't tell you how to get a better grade, but we will give you honest and supportive feedback as it relates to your instructor's assignment sheet and expectations.

I don't understand what plagiarism is. Can a tutor explain it to me?

Yes, a tutor can help you understand the principles of academic dishonesty and how and why to avoid id. Using MLA requirements will ensure the integrity of your written work.

Can a tutor help me with MLA formatting?

A tutor can help you learn how to use a MLA handbook to use in-text parenthetical citations and create a Works Cited page. We can also help you do electronic and library research as well as create an annotated bibliography.

I don't have time in my schedule. Can I email my drafts for feedback?

Students have busy schedules, but we don't accept essay drafts via email because students become better writers when they collaborate with tutors, peers and instructors in learning communities.

Writing Resources

Please feel free to check out these websites to learn more about grammar and writing. Many of the websites include practice activities.

We invite you to also visit electronic online writing labs (OWLs) such as: